Hazmat/Tech Rescue Flashcards
Hazmat
Company level incident response
Hazmat acronym
H
H- hazard ID
- liquid, gas, or solid. Vapors - colorless, odorless
- DOT placards and labels, nfpa 704, vessel design
- proper chemical protect of clothing will provide some barriers to toxic exposures
- hand-held gas monitors shall be used
Hazmat
A
- action plan
- brief description of problem
- actions (develop IAP, zoning, victim assessment, mitigation)
- immediate needs (hazmat team, law, other agencies)
- who’s in command
Before attempting a rescue, personnel should use the risk profile
Approach from uphill up wind, avoiding puddles, vapor clouds, or collected vapors
Hazmat
Z
Zoning
- 1st arriving unit should immediately initiate emergency zoning (traffic cones, barrier tape, law)
- 1st arriving should establish perimeter to minimize chemical containment. DOT ERG - Initial isolation zones
Hazmat
M
Managing the incident
- utilize ICS
Hazmat
A
Assistance
- requesting resources as needed
Hazmat
T
Termination
- address all regulatory issues and documentation
- PFA shall notify appropriate agencies, such as Larimer county environment health department t
PFA is not responsible for clean up
Hazmat
Establish control zones
- initial zoning is a critical action of 1st arriving
- 1st arriving shall use DOT ERG, detectors, best judgement in determining initial isolation zones
- zone is used to keep people away from dangerous concentrations , to prevent entry by the public, and unauthorized persons
Hazmat
Establish safety zones
Purpose:
- limit level of contamination
- provide area of safety for responders and customers
- allow to division of labor
Hazmat
Control zones
Size and shape determined by:
- chemical properties
- natural barriers
- quantity of product
- size and condition of container
- physical state of product
- weather
- recognized standards (DOT ERG, cameo, aloha)
Hot zone
- most affected. Threshold limit value (TLV) should be used to determine hot zone
- red fire line tape
- safe refuge area should be located near the entrance to the Decon cooridor
- shall be monitored to ensure customers and responders is not occurring
Hot zone
Guidelines
- toxicity - readings greater than TLV/TWA or PEL exposure values
- flammability - 10% of the lower explosive limit (in doors) and 20% outside
- oxygen - deficient < 19.5%, rich>23.5%
- radiological activity - any reading twice the background level, not to exceed 2mR/hr dose rate
Warm zone
- safe from contamination
- yellow fire tape
- all shall wear appropriate PPE
- includes Decon cooridor, safe area
- shall contain access control points for the hot zone
Cold zone
- outside warm zone, inside scene perimeter
- green fire tape
- command and control functions and Other support functions
- treatment of Deconned patients and responders, interagency coordination, and incident security
Spill & Leak control
- either contain the material or create a safety zone and deny entry (control)
Prior to beginning containment or confinement ops, the IC should consider:
- hazmat involved
- associated hazards
- risk to emergency responders and civilians
- training level and physical abilities of personnel
- special tools, equipment, supplies needed
- emergency Decon and appropriate emergency care
Spill & Leak control
- either contain the material or create a safety zone and deny entry (control)
Prior to beginning containment or confinement ops, the IC should consider:
- hazmat involved
- associated hazards
- risk to emergency responders and civilians
- training level and physical abilities of personnel
- special tools, equipment, supplies needed
- emergency Decon and appropriate emergency care
Confinement techniques
- actions (defensive) occur remotely from spill
- diversion, diking, retention
- these ops avoid direct exposure
- can often be performed without special equipment
- usually be performed by 1st responders with minimal supervision
- based on availability of time, personnel, equipment, and supplies
- a risk assessment must be conducted to review the potential harmful effects of the leak downhill and downwind
Natural gas line emergencies
IC should:
- make decision based on risk profile
- IC ensures: crews wear full PPE and SCBA, attack line(s) at least 1 3/4 inch, patent water supply or other extinguishing agents
- ask dispatch to notify gas company and ETA
- if gas line becomes gas fed fire, FFs should not extinguish until gas company has shut off gas
- if a life safety or property conservation issue exists, it may be necessary to control the fire
Natural gas line emergencies
Monitoring the air:
- use hazmat qrc sequence for help
- monitors help determine if there is immediate danger to life or health. Danger near the leak
- LEL sensor - audible alarm at 10% of LEL methane
- IC should evacuate all interior areas that are in alarm
- should search for and remove or extinguish possible ignition sources (in buildings and vehicles in the area including fire apparatus)
Natural gas line
Determine the IAP:
- based on situation, the IAP can be for emergency personnel (hazmat team) to use a clamp or for PFA to stand-by and await gas company
- IC may call engine 10/hazmat 10 to respond if gas company anticipates an extended response time
- if can do safely, PFA should determine the following to relay to the gas company: color and diameter of gas line, whether the line is completely or partially severed
Decontamination
Emergency Decon:
- purpose is to reduce exposure by removing contaminant
- Decon of ambulatory victims and 1st responders may be accomplished prior to set-up of tech Decon
- may also be used on victims who are outside the hot zone,incapable of self-rescue, and in need of immediate life-saving intervention
- SHALL wear appropriate PPE prior to making any physical contact with a patient
Emergency Decon
Procedures
- remove victim clothing, thoroughly rinse with soap
- dry Decon for radioactive and water reactive material
- dry Decon, protect Pts and rescuer’s respiratory system
- should rinse/wash in an area of safe refuge
- all members participating must be considered contaminated and shall complete Decon of themselves
- IC ensures that the receiving facility is notified that an emergency Decon patient is being transported. Should include suspected contaminant and methods used for Decon
Technical Decon
- prior to hazmat entry into hot zone, a contamination reduction cooridor and appropriate level Decon shall be established
- the purpose is to assure that any potentially harmful residues on persons/equipment are confined to hot zone
- when appropriate, IC or hazmat group sup may appoint a decontamination unit leader
Tech Decon
Procedures
- SHALL only include individuals that are trained ops level
- briefed and physical exam prior to beginning ops
- IC or hazmat sup determines PPE. PPE is equal or one level below the entry team
- all personnel leaving the hot zone shall be considered contaminated
- all materials used in Decon shall be grossly Deconned and bagged for disposal or further Deconned
- Decon team is responsible for deconning themselves
Radiological
Canberra ultra radic personal radiation detector (PRD)
- measures and display the instantaneous radiation dose rate (the average rate in time of radiation exposure) R/hr
Radiological
1st arriving IC should answer the basic questions of:
What do I have:
- responding to unexplained explosions
- known hazmat incidents
- known hazmat sites
- accidents involving common carriers of radiologicals
Radiological
IC what do I need
- Contact RP if available, evaluate the situation and decide the safest means of monitoring
- decide if appropriate resources are en route (hazmat, law)
- make verbal contact with involved patients to keep them informed of what actions are being taken and to determine if any medical issues exists
Radiological
IC what am I doing
- establish command
- secure the scene
- follow the hazmat acronym
Radiological
Strategic considerations
- place, time, occupancy, and other clues to the origin
- all unexpected detonations should assume radiological
- SHALL wear appropriate level PPE when utilizing PRD. Bunker gear and possibly SCBA for initial monitoring
Radiological
Tactical considerations
- 2 separate levels for both dose rate and accumulation
•low level pre-set somewhat above natural background
• high level indicates a significant hazard - PRD has a stay time
Radiological
Task considerations
- when PRD is needed: power on, clear accumulated dose
- if ops level crew experience a dose rate or accumulation dose alarm, they should:
• retreat from the area
• secure the scene to prevent others from entering
• request hazmat response
Radiological
Safety considerations
- 5 R any work
- 10 R to protect property
- 25 R to protect life (may be exceeded voluntarily with knowledge of risks
- members may remain physically proximal to each other for PRD readings to apply
- crews should complete an exposure report for any received doses exceeding 10 R
Radiological
PRD readings
- low rate alarm: 500 ^R/hr
- high rate alarm: 2 R/hr
- low dose rate: 100 ^R
- high dose rate: 10 R
- not intrinsically safe - do not use in flammable environments
Auto X
Response
MVA X
1 ambulance 2 engines 2 trucks SO BC
Emergent
Auto X
1st arriving IC
- safe and effective apparatus placement. Room for support and protect ambulance
- traffic control and scene safety are major concerns. Traffic cones
- all personnel SHALL have on appropriate PPE
- immediate hazard zone = ~ 75 feet around where extrication tools will be used
Auto X
Scene size up
Should include an evaluation of the following:
A. Hazards: flammable liquids, power lines, grade, traffic, etc. A damage assessment including condition and type of vehicles and accident type (t-bone, roll over, Head-on)
B. Access: direction of approach and access for trucks and ambulance. Protect the scene with apparatus and request law. Consider extra resources based on # of vehicles and patients
C. Complete size-up: 360 of the scene. Have EMT enter the vehicle to access patient if vehicle is stable
Auto X
IAP should include:
- establish command
- findings of the 360
- a patient triage report
- a vehicle triage report
- strategic goals and tactical considerations
Auto X
Initial arrival report should include:
- what do I have? Hazard ID and damage assessment
- what do I need? Access plan including approach, protect the scene and request law enforcement, extra resources needed
- what am I doing? Complete 360. Have EMT access pt
- who’s in command? Establish command
Auto X
Follow up report
- findings of 360
- a pt triage report
- a vehicle triage report
Auto X
Strategic considerations
- consider assigning “rescue group” 1st truck
- consider assigning an EMS sup “medical group” to mange triage, treatment, and transport
Auto X
Tactical considerations
- complete basic vehicle stabilization
- consider moving power seats and steering wheel for pt access prior to power down
- power down vehicle, remove keys, turn off headlights, turn on hazards
- cut battery cable
- be aware of undeployed air bags and consider 5-10- 20 rule
(5 for side, 10 for steering, 20 for passenger)
Auto X
1st arriving truck actions and tactical considerations
- complete 360
- stage equipment
- ensure vehicle power down by hazard light failure
- stabilize the vehicle
- id and locate air bag high pressure cylinders and seat belt tensioners “peel and peak”
- remove the vehicle from around the pt
- continuously re-evaluate the extrication plan and scene safety
Auto X
Other hazards and considerations
- a charged 1 3/4 should be positioned and staffed
- IC should consider foam application
- special care for hybrid vehicle and power down. Once the 12 v battery is cut, the system is inoperable
- firefighters should be aware their weight could cause an unarmed air bag to become armed
- extrication blanket
- high intensity discharge head lights pose a serious shock hazard
auto X
Termination
- the rescue group sup SHALL advise IC when the patients extricated bench mark has been met
- demob is still hazardous
- consider specialized cdot vehicles to assist with traffic control
Con space
Intro:
- 60% of victims are would be rescuers. Possible more than 1 victim
- SHALL fit in PFA Risk Profile
- Rescue response: 1 amb, 2 engines, 2 trucks, SO, BC Emergent
- the first arriving IC SHALL request engine 10/hazmat 10 & collapse 6
Con space
1st arriving IC:
- establish command
- locate and secure an RP or witness to gain info
- if OSHA standards are being followed for a permit entry, there should be an attendant at the site with a hard copy permit with pertinent info
Conspace
Size-up
- hazards may include: atmosphere, mechanical, electrical, engulfment, elevation, hazmat, or other
- find out what the space is used for and type of work
- id lock-out/tag-out already in place
- # , location, and condition of Pts
- establish communications with victims if possible
- assess man power and equipment needs and call for additional resources
- secure the scene from bystanders
- assess atmosphere in the vicinity and in con space
- log findings and track atmosphere changes with PFA entry permit
- monitoring firefighters SHALL wear appropriate PPE
Con space
Strategic considerations
- perform rescue vs recovery analysis
- coordinate with a liaison for outside agencies (FC light and power, water department, etc.)
Con space
Rescue group supervisor
Tactical considerations
- develop rescue plan and back-up plan and communicate
- establish working area(s)
- determine PPE requires
- decide air supply needs
- determine the com bucatini and lighting needs
- assign rescue and back-up teams. For every rescuer there SHALL be one back-up outfitted and ready
- briefing of assignments, time limits, emergency procedures and radio designation
- log entry personnel names and times on permit
- determine victim removal equipment
- responsible for rope rigging and coordinating with EMS group sup
Con space
Control
- work directly for the rescue group sup
- direct communications link between rescuers and rescue group
Con space
Air supply/communications
- ensure rescue team 1&2 have continuous air supply
- ensure communications system set up
Con space
Rescue team 1
- evaluate rescue/recovery mode
- perform primary survey on the victim(s), including as assessment of equipment needs
- treatment should be based on time/risk factors
- package victims appropriately
- rescuers should make every attempt to remain on the exit side of the victim during removal
- move victims immediately out of the hot zone
Con space
Rescue team 2
- maintain readiness to help rescue team 1
- should be equipped in the same level of PPE as rescue team 1
- assist with air line management
Con space
Hazmat
- air monitoring
- establish vent if needed
- decide if Decon is needed
Con space
Safety considerations
- SO should review IAP
- establish safety zones
- ensure non-essential personnel are kept out
- control hazards. Lock-out/tag-out
- id any potential stored energy sources that cannot be turned off or controlled
Conspace
Termination
- ensure all personnel are accounted for
- rehab if needed
- secure the scene and turn over to RP or investigation official
- log all pertinent times and info on PFA entry permit
- consider CID
- a hot wash should be performed
Rescue at electrical substations or vaults
Intro:
- electrical substations (overhead transformers)
> 115,000 volts - electrical vaults (cables) at least 13,200 volts
Electrical substations or vaults
1st arriving IC:
- ensure 100 notifies the responsible utility company and obtain ETA
- perform size-up prior to entry
- IC uses PFA risk profile to form an IAP
- if immediate rescue and within the parameter of risk profile, entry may be made
- or IC may determine risk is too great and delay rescue until appropriate resources are on scene and the necessary risks are mitigated
Electrical substations or vaults
Additional resources may be required to ensure safety
IC should consider:
- an entry crew and RIC equal in numbers of crew
- SO is in contact with the utility representative
- med unit is standing by
- hazmat group if hazmat is involved
- if a victim is found to be in contact with electrical equipment, an attempt to rescue SHALL NOT be made until the utility company deems it safe
- assume all substations/vault equipment is energized
- personnel entering should stay low and carry tools in a manner to avoid contact with electrical equipment
Elevator rescue
Response
ELRESCUE
1 engine
1 truck
SO non-emergent
If medical or injury- emergent and request ambulance
Elevator rescue
1st arriving IC:
- contact RP
- evaluate the situation and decide safest and most expedient means of rescue
- decide if the appropriate resources are en route. Consider an elevator service tech
- make verbal contact with occupants to advise our arrival and determine if any medical issues exists
Elevator rescue
Strategic considerations
- determine if there is a life threatening issue
- determine is elevator car is positioned between floors
- ensure properly trained individuals and resources are on-scene to handle the situation
- ensure all safety procedure are in place for the removal of the passengers
Elevator rescue
Tactical considerations
- first attempt to operate normally (ensure stop has not been hit)
- ensure hoist way door is closed
- attempt phase 1 recall
- reset system: shut-off power for 15-30 seconds, re-energize and attempt operations
- if still stuck, power down, lock-out/tag-out, and open hoist way with elevator keys
- if this does not work, determine which type of rescue will be required (manually lowering or emergency hatch). Poling, entering hoist way, or top exit should only be attempted under supervision of a technician
Elevator rescue
Task considerations
- forcible entry as a last resort
- in car lodged between floors, be cognizant of hoist way falls
Elevator rescue
Safety considerations
- SHALL be shut down prior to attempting a rescue
- a FF SHALL stay at main power or lock-out/tag-out
Elevator rescue
Termination
- upon removal of occupants, shut the elevator doors, leave mainline disconnect off, notify RP of out of service elevator and ensure maintenance tech is en route
Rope rescue
Two general categories
- low angle: <30%. Primary is feet to ground. A single belay line. Engine companies
- high angle: >30% SHALL be performed by tech level. Main and belay
- PFA risk profile SHALL be applied
- all rope rescue techniques and equipment utilized in rope rescue ops SHALL meet the intent of the PFA JPRs
Rope rescue
Response
2 engines 2 trucks SO BC 1 ambulance Emergent
- west of overland trail should include notification of LCSO
Rope rescue
1st arriving IC:
- should try to ascertain the following en route:
• is patient accessible by vehicle or will they need carry out
• is the RP with the pt
• how far from the parking area is the pt
• confirm LCSO has been notified on calls west of overland trail
Rope rescue
Size-up considerations
- determine #, location, and condition of pt(s)
- low or high angle
- determine if incident requires tech rope rescue
- call for assistance/upgrade response
- determine stability of the ground
- stabilize the incident by providing site control and scene management to prevent additional accidents
- can you provide stability to pt(s) via rope
- can you communicate with patient
- determine access points to the pt(s)
- is patient supported or unsupported
Rope rescue
Strategic considerations
- create a communication plan for incidents involving mutual aide resources
- perform rescue/recovery analysis
- ensure a rescue group lead is assigned
- consider assigning a medical group sup
Rope rescue
Tactical considerations
- during high angle, rope rescue techs SHALL be placed in the lead positions under rescue group
- techs SHALL meet PFA service levels and have attended a tech level rope rescue course
Rope rescue
IC:
- responsible for all ops of the incident
- coordinates with liaison from neighboring jurisdictions (LC SAR, LCSO ES)
Rope rescue
Safety officer:
- works directly of the IC
- establishes a safe zone to separate rescuers from citizens
- keeps all non-essential personnel out of the work area
- observes overall operations
Rope rescue
Rescue group lead
- works directly for the IC
- develop rescue plan and back-up plan
- ensure that all personnel operating in the rescue group are accounted for and working appropriate PPE
- ensure rescue plan and back-up plan, including emergency procedures are communicated to all personnel
- establish work areas
- establish rope focal points and edge transitions
- responsible for the rigging of the rope system, use E.A.R.N.E.S.T for anchors: angle and aligned, redundancy, no extension, solid/strength, timely
Rope rescue
Rescue group lead continue:
- ensure that static system safety factor of 10:1 is met
- assign the actions: main, belay, edge, litter attendant, and control officer
- coordinates directly with EMS group
- ensure rope system is safety checked ABCDE: anchors, belay, carabiners, descent control device, edge (edge pro and edge control person)
Rope rescue
Main line lead:
- works for rescue group lead
- establish lifeline using suitable anchors and equipment for lowering or hauling with 10:1 sssf
- coordinates with belay line team to build a two-line rope rescue system
Rope rescue
Belay line lead:
- works for rescue group lead
- establish a primary belay line as a safety
- ensures belay line focal point outside the hot zone and within 3 meters of the edge transition
- coordinates with main line team to build a two-line system
Rope rescue
Edge crew
- works for rescue group lead
- responsible for ops at edge transition, includes rope edge pro, artificial high directional, assist litter attendant, safety litter attendant, interlocking-long tail bowlines and vectoring load
Rope rescue
Rescue attendant
- works for rescue group lead and control officer
- responsible for litter control during lowering and raise
- responsible for packaging the patient into litter harness
- responsible for calling “over the edge” commands to control officer
- responsible for direct communications with control officer. If portable radios are needed, then a dedicated tactical frequency SHALL be assigned. Command frequency should not be used
Rope rescue
Control officer
- works directly for rescue group lead
- establish direct communication line with rescue attendant
- responsible for all commands during actual lowering and raising of the attendant and patient. All rescue communications will be directly to and from the control officer once “quiet on the set” has been announced
- the control officer SHALL use the commands found in the lipke guide
Animal rescue
Response
ANIMF
1 engine plus engine 12 - unless in 12’s area, then just engine 12), 1 truck, SO, BC, 1 ambulance
Non-emergent response should be considered when getting close
Animal rescue
1st arriving IC:
- establish command
- conduct size-up
- develop IAP - risk profile
- ensure the plan is communicated to all personnel
- IC should assess the scene using PFA incident priorities. Animals are considered property
- IC should ensure Colorado parks and wildlife (CPW) is notified if the incident involved wildlife or larimer county humane society/animal control - involving pets, livestock, or possible animal cruelty
Animal rescue
Size-up
- how many animals involved
- health/conditions of animal(s)
- length of time and how the animal is trapped
- is animal in fight or flight or exhausted
- owner contacted or on- scene to make decisions
- owner’s intent to pay for animal treatment if vet is called
Animal rescue
Strategic considerations
- rescue vs recovery analysis
- call a vet for assessment of Animal
- call for operational or tech trained individuals
- IC should solicit input from owner, vet, and techs and on-scene CPW or animal control
- transportation vehicle/resources such as horseman’s association or sheriff’s pose
- additional rescue and specialized resources needed
- mortality management
Animal rescue
Tactical considerations
- which rescue method - containment, lift, drag, or extrication
- care of the animal after rescue is complete if n owner or RP is on scene
Animal rescue
Task considerations
- equipment needed
Animal rescue
Safety considerations
- large animals pose a treat to firefighters because size, strength, and speed
Animal rescue
Other considerations
- ft Collins utilities and REA have been identified as having apparatus (post hole digger trucks)
- IC should consider calling Loveland special operations team (SOT)
- 100 maintains a list of vets trained in large animal and ICS. Also can contact a darting specialist
- cattle and horses where no owner, the brand inspector should be notified
- animal control has authority to take ownership of domestic animals and to euthanize animals
Animal rescue
Termination
- IC should determine if the owner, larimer county humane society or vet will take over care of the animal
Mountain Rescue
- any rescue west of overland trail will involve other agencies including LCSO and or state parks
- dispatch center receiving the call SHALL notify the following: PFA, LCSO, PVH
- IC should confirm this is done
Mountain Rescue
1st until to arrive will
- establish command unless passed or transferred
- the other officers should report to IC for a briefing and assignment
- the use of unified command can greatly enhance the efforts of the rescue
- IC will designate a staging area
- IC should consider sectioning and assigning various agencies to accomplish objectives
- IC should consider whether PVH crews are adequately equipped and trained
- radio: fern, 2nd channel for task level
- consider PFA command post
Swift Water
Intro
- IC SHALL make the decision to engage based on risk profile
- PFA SHALL NOT enter water unless a victim is visible and other methods of rescuing (reach, throw,boat) have been eliminated. Exception is to cross river for far shore
- in-water - SHALL be designated SWT and donned appropriate in water and donned appropriate in water PPE. All responders near water SHALL wear shore based PPE
- require safety personnel SHALL be in place before any rescuers enter swift water
Swift Water
Response
Call Type: WATER
Minimum required for single victim:
- 1st due engine
- 2 closest engines with SWT
- boat 7 (non-emergent unless requested by BC or IC)
- both trucks
- SO
- closest BC
- more than 1 victim = more resources
Swift Water
1st arriving IC:
- establish command
- develop IAP
- ensure the plan is communicated and understood
- IC should contact and communicate with any other agencies
- if other agency is 1st, the first PFA unit should establish contact with IC and obtain briefing
- unified command should be established when multi agencies
- IC should be prepared to monitor two radio systems. IC should air frequency and assignments
Swift Water
Size-up
- dynamic: size-up is continual and on-going
- size-up while en route should include:
• resources available/en route
• water flow
• time and location
• experience level of personnel
• # of victims and their condition (missing, stranded, stuck on rock, etc)
• # of LCDT personnel responding and ETA - IC may consult SWT the appropriateness of entering
- boat SHALL be used under direction of SWT
Swift Water
IAP
- set up command
- conduct size up
• best access
• ID and secure witnesses
• witness interviews and triangulation
• ID last seen point (LSP)
• # of patients, description and activities
• establish timeline (possible down time)
• river flow - establish staging
- establish safety positions
Swift Water
Staging
- IC should designate a specific location for dive truck and boats
Swift Water
Containment
- should be placed down stream from LSP at a location overlooking the water
- all containment teams SHALL hold their positions until all in-water personnel are out of the water and accounted for
Swift Water
Hasty search-based search
- should be organized and assigned to search a defined area. Includes both in-water (non-PFA personnel) and shore-based search teams
- rescuers should start at the LSP and expand downstream to the first drop point (DP)
Swift Water
Required safety positions
- 2 positions SHALL be in place and positioned together before engaging in any in-water activities
• down stream safety rescuer (trained to SWT or higher) and
• shore-based safety rescuer (proper PPE and two throw bags) - two safeties should position themselves down stream within visual contact of the rescue swimmers
Swift Water
In-water rescue operations
- SHALL commence only in cases of known, immediate rescue. Safeties SHALL be in place
- IC SHALL be notified when all in-water personnel are entering, # of personnel entering, and location
- IC SHALL be notified when exit and location
- those entering SHALL be briefed with assignments, in-water time limit, and exit point
Swift Water
Victim handling and rescue
- IC should plan for moving victim to safety
- dive team boat should be under the direction of dive team or a SWT
Swift Water
Termination
- the required safety positions SHALL remain in place until all rescuers have exited the water
Ice Rescue
Intro
- IC SHALL make decision to engage within scope of the PFA risk profile
Ice Rescue
Response
Call type: WATER
1 ambulance, 2 engines, 1 truck, SO, BC, and dive team emergent. Boat 7 non-emergent
- IC may need to call for additional resources in the event there are multiple victims. If a victim is submerged, or if a vehicle is submerged
- other resources to consider are LCDR, animal control and division of wildlife (DOW)
Ice Rescue
1st arriving IC:
- establish command
- conduct size-up
- develop IAP
- ensure plan is communicated
Ice Rescue
If another agency is 1st on-scene:
- first arriving PFA unit should establish contact with IC and obtain an incident briefing
- a decision on if IC retains command, establish unified command, or transfers command to PFA
- IC should air radio frequency and assignments to incoming PFA units
- the first responding PFA unit may have to monitor two radio systems
Ice Rescue
Size-up
- location and time if the incident
- # of victims, type of rescue, their condition
- ID and secure witnesses
- establish timelines, submersion time (if applicable)
- best access and distance from shore
- weather or other environmental concerns
- hazard assessment
- determine size of search area
- resources en route and available
- experience level of personnel
- # of LCDR personnel and ETA
Ice Rescue
IAP
- establish command
- develop command structure
- op mode: rescue vs recovery analysis
- tactical plan
- resource and equipment needs
- secure scene/ crowd control
- establish staging and assign safety positions
- rescuers and back-up are dependent upon # of patients
- tenders as appropriate
- medical for receiving patients
Ice Rescue
Staging
- provide a specific location for dive truck and boats: ability to move and reposition if needed. Also, provide ambulance access
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
Person(s) through ice, still on surface
- Life safety is priority. Communication must be established with patients
• all patients on surface must be assessed and prioritized. The closet to the shore may not be the priority
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
Person(s) through ice and submerged
- will require LCDRT. PFA may require 1st alarm assignment. PFA supporting the LCDR with ice dive ops, witness interviews, equipment support, line tenders, and patient receiving
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
Animal through the ice with person attempting rescue
- high priority that the person(s) will also fall through the ice
- priority is to remove the person(s) off the ice. Life safety is priority until the person(s) is off of ice
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
Animal through the ice and no person(s) attempting to rescue the animal
- a non-emergent is appropriate
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
A vehicle partially submerged
- stability of the vehicle
- are tires touching bottom
- vehicle needs to be cleared of extrication
Ice Rescue
Types of ice rescue response
Vehicle fully submerged
- is a shore based op for PFA
- assist dive team
Ice Rescue
Pt care
- rescue mode until the on -scene time exceeds rescue mode (1 1/2 hours) or otherwise determined by the ER physician
- follow PVH hypothermic protocols
Still Water Rescue
Intro
- SHALL fit within PFA risk profile
- IC makes decision to engage
- if a contact rescue is initiated, the rescuer should be proficient in contact rescue in open water and anticipate aggressive behavior
Still Water Rescue
Water response
1 ambulance 2 engines 1 truck SO BC Dive team Emergent
- boat 7 non-emergent
- if more than 1 victim, if victim is submerged, if person is missing, or vehicle is submerged - IC consider additional resources
Still Water Rescue
1st arriving IC:
- establish command
- develop IAP appropriate for conditions and risk profile
- ensure the place is communicated to and understood
- IC should contact and communicate with other agencies
- if another agency is first on-scene, PFA should establish contact with IC and obtain a briefing. A decision should be made of who is IC or unified command
- IC should air radio frequency and assignments
- should be prepared to monitor two radio systems
Still Water Rescue
Size-up
- evaluate the following: • resources available/en route • time and location of accident • experience level of personnel • # of victims and their conditions - person in water actively drowning (surface) - person(s) submerged witnessed - person(s) missing unwitnessed - partial submerged vehicle/fully submerged vehicle • # of LCDT personnel and ETA • determine additional resource needs
Still Water Rescue
IAP should include:
- setting up command
- conduct an initial on-scene size-up:
• determine best access
• ID and secure witnesses
• witness interviews and triangulation
• ID LSP
• # o patients, descriptions, and activities
• establish time lines - establish staging
- safety positions
Still Water Rescue
Staging
- provide a specific location for the dive team truck and boats - ability to move and reposition
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) in a body of water actively drowning (surface)
Needed resources:
-IC
-2 rescuers
-2 back-ups
-Shore tenders (assist rescuers, receive Pts for medical treatment, assist dive team in prep for dive ops)
- witness interviews - # of Pts
- LSP and triangulation - establish if pt submerges
-
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) actively drowning (surface)
Details:
- rescuers must establish communications with the victim and approach them from either behind or the side
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) submerged (witnessed)
Needed resources:
- IC
- 2 rescuers (1 reference swimmer, 1 back-up safety)
- witness interviewers
- LSP and triangulation personnel
- shore tenders - assist dive team for possible dive ops
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) submerged (witnessed)
Details:
- requires immediate ID and LSP based on witness interviews
- all witnesses should be separated and interviewed
- witnesses must be taken to the exact location
• interviewers must mark this location using an object and keep the witness with them - a reference object swimmer SHALL deploy into the water and act as a surface reference object for the witnesses to maintain a position where the victim was witnessed going under
- LSP will be established by utilizing the witnesses, triangulation, and swimmer
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) missing (unwitnessed)
Needed resources:
- IC
- witness interviewers
- shore based hasty search personnel
- tenders to assist dive team
Still Water Rescue
Person(s) missing
Details:
- un-witnessed SHALL require shore based work only
- a hasty search of the shore line and other locations near the water as well as bathrooms or play areas should be performed ASAP
Still Water Rescue
Full submerged vehicle
Needed resources:
- IC
- 4 rescuers (2 for vehicle search, 2 for back-up)
- shore tenders
• assist rescuers
• receive Pts for medical
• assist dive team for possible dive ops
Still Water Rescue
Fully submerged vehicle
Details:
- if cannot be assessed without deploying under water - is a dive team ops
- PFA SHALL assist dive team with shore based ops only
- if the time line is unknown, actions should be performed within the rescue mode until on-scene time exceeds the rescue window (1 1/2 hours) or as determined by medical
Still Water Rescue
Partially submerged vehicle
Needed resources:
- IC
- 4 rescuers (2 for vehicle search, 2 for back-up)
- shore tenders
• assist the rescuers
• receive Pts for medical
• assist dive team for possible dive ops
Still Water Rescue
Partially submerged vehicle
Details:
- PFA SHALL NOT submerged themselves to enter the vehicle in an attempt to rescue. A rescue is only be attempted if it can be performed safely without going below the surface of the water
- if the time line is unknown, actions should be performed within the rescue mode until on-scene time exceeds the rescue window (1 1/2 hours) or as determined by medical control
Still Water Rescue
Victim handling and rescue
- follow PVH hypothermic protocols
Still Water Rescue
Termination
- the required safety positions SHALL remain in place until all rescuers have edited the water
Ops with Law
Intro
- life safety is the 1st priority, but crime scene preservation also needs to be addressed
- any exceptions to the procedures outlined in this OD SHALL be approved in advance by the on-duty BC
- any call for a response from law should be requested either emergent or non-emergent. Do not use code language
Ops with Law
Fire incidents/fire investigations
- utilized for traffic control. IC needs to coordinate with law
- if IC decides that on -scene resources cannot be properly investigated, IC should call for shift FIC or request on-call
- the chain of evidence SHALL be maintained by he IC or fire investigator
Ops with Law
Forcible entry
- IC should return responsibility of the building to the RP
- IC may turn over control to law or fire prevention bureau when there is no RP
Ops with Law
Traffic control:
- initiated by PFA, but should be turned over to law
- PFA should limit actions to life safety and incident stabilization
- extrication: apparatus within 100 ft. Critique of incident within scene perimeter must 1st gain approval of law and SHALL NOT remove, change, or relocate any part of the scene for critique purposes without prior approval from law enforcement
Ops with Law
Crime scene
- PFA will engage in ops inside the emergency scene perimeter only when the scene is declared to be secured and stabilized by law
- if law is on scene and the viability of one or more Pts has not been determined (not obvious death), police will escort one EMT or one paramedic to the patient(s) to conduct an assessment
Ops with Law
Civil disturbance and altercations
- FF safety should come first. SHALL be considered a law situation
- IC should stage resources in a safe area
- when violence occurs after emergency ops have begun, the IC should either secure immediate law or withdraw all PFA members to a safe staging area
- PFA SHALL NOT engage in offensive crowd control ops
- under direct authorization of BC, PFA may engage defensive ops
- SHALL NOT engage in interior fire ops until secured by law
- SHALL have a safety officer assigned and maintain visual contact
- SO SHALL NOT engage in tactical ops
Ops with Law
Unattended deaths and death announcements
- the scene is considered a law enforcement event
- death during medical aide- scene becomes law enforcements
- in public view, IC should coordinate with law in screening the body. Do not cover bodies. Screen with vehicle placement
- IC should request the police accident investigation unit, carries portable screens
- FCPS will contact coroner
Bomb treats
- bomb treat not to be aired. “station ____ check your MDT” is used
- PFA should stage at least a half mile or 6 blocks
- any request from law to assist in a search for a bomb SHALL have the approval of on-duty BC and only after crews have been briefed
- PFA IC needs to coordinate with law to determine evacuation distances and plan
- if evacuation requires additional PFA resources, the on-duty BC should be contacted to assist in coordinating
SWAT Standbys
- PFAs role is to provide life safety only after the scene has been determined safe by law
Illegal drugs/hazmat
- suspicion is illegal drug lab, law enforcement needs to be notified
-once life safety considerations have been handled, PFA resources need to leave the area to preserve the crime scene - PFA IC determines Decon needs
• Decon civilians and law enforcement personnel and a liaison with larimer county health department - PFA SHALL NOT enter a drug lab except to rescue personnel